LiveLink for MATLAB vs. Python RPA vs. RunMat vs. VBScript Comparison Chart

Seamlessly integrate COMSOL Multiphysics® with MATLAB® to extend your modeling with scripting programming in the MATLAB environment. LiveLink™ for MATLAB® allows you to utilize the full power of MATLAB and its toolboxes in preprocessing, model manipulation, and postprocessing. Enhance your in-house MATLAB code with powerful multiphysics simulations. Base your geometry modeling on probabilistic or image data. Use multiphysics models together with Monte Carlo simulations and genetic algorithms. Export COMSOL models on state-space matrix format for incorporating into control systems. Interface in the COMSOL Desktop® environment enables the use of MATLAB® functions while modeling. Manipulate your models from the command line or script to parameterize the geometry, physics, or the solution scheme.

RunMat (by Dystr) is a fast, free, open-source alternative for running MATLAB code. Users can run their existing MATLAB code with complete language grammar and core semantics. No license fees, no lock-in. RunMat is built with a modern compiler, which enables blazing-fast calculations. It boots in 5 milliseconds, GPU optimization is enabled by default, and it's a single, compact, cross-platform binary. Typical engineering use cases - Controls/signal processing & numerics: accelerate MATLAB-style loops plus heavy linear algebra; enjoy faster iteration due to instant startup and tiered JIT. - Batch/CI & serverless jobs: snapshots + compact binaries make it easy to run .m workloads in containers or ephemeral runners at scale. - Plot-heavy workflows: interactive GPU plots for exploratory analysis and reportable exports for stakeholders. - Education: remove license friction and start labs instantly; Jupyter kernel supports reproducible worksheets.